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30 March, 2013

Changing perspective . . .

We have been hot when exercising hard. But nothing like we
were hot just walking across the housing compound in South Sudan. Being in
Tonj, South Sudan in the dry season changed our perspective on hot.

We have been excited when we’ve learned God’s revelations to
us through His word. But maybe never as excited as some of the South Sudanese
during their recent training on Biblical orality. Their excitement at learning how
to simply tell the stories of the Bible brought tears of joy to our eyes.

One man told us, “I am old. It is too late for me to learn
to read and write. But hearing and learning Bible stories will allow me to
share the Word of God with others and I am so happy!”By the end of the three days of training he
then said, “Now I realize that I must learn to read so I can read the Bible
myself. Then I can learn more stories faster and be able to share more of God’s
word with people.”

Sarah told how she planned to apply the storytelling she
learned. “This is good for even an old woman like me to learn. Where I live the
water is far and we have to walk long to reach there. I will have enough time
to tell the story and help the other women discover for themselves the
treasures in God’s word.Thank you for
teaching me this.”

We enjoy gardening and get pleasure out of planting and
harvesting. Being part of the Community Health Empowerment training in South
Sudan, including teaching on “Farming God’s Way” (click here to read more)changed our perspective about good
stewardship of our agricultural resources. Experiencing the excitement of
pastors and other subsistence farmers as they learned truths from God’s word
that apply to their farming practices thrilled our souls.

The shared experiences in South Sudan changed our
perspective. Somehow it was no longer too hot to be out working the fields for
harvest. The harvest is plentiful and praise the Lord for the laborers He is
raising up in South Sudan! (See links to photos of South Sudan to the left)

Now in Uganda again we pray to understand in ever increasing
measure God’s perspective in every situation, every day. Yesterday we received
word from one of our Africa Gospel Church leaders that many sorcerers have
gathered in his community from all over Uganda. They are drumming and
sacrificing to the demons, proclaiming they are setting people free from
spirits that burn people’s houses. They are spreading the word that Christians
are weak and have been defeated by the demons.He requested prayer for his community.

Please join us in praying for that community. Please pray
that God’s perspective on what is weak and who has been defeated might be
known. Pray that Truth will be proclaimed and many will turn to Him. Pray that
God alone will be glorified and the Christians strengthened as they praise God
and call upon Him for protection and deliverance.

The spiritual battle is strong this Easter weekend. Join us
in boldly celebrating our Victor and claiming His victory. Our perspective as
His children is different than that of the world, and we want to be useful as
His change agents, changing perspective wherever He leads us.

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Jeff & Christine

Why We Serve

Since arriving on the continent of Africa as missionaries, we have taken chances, faced challenges, and seen many changes. Through it all, we have experienced God's faithfulness and provision. As new missionaries, we claimed 2 Corinthians 3:4-5 as our life verses, reminding us that "God is our adequacy." We relied on God's help as we adapted to new cultures and learned to use our professional skills in new ways. We sought His help as we built relationships with our missionary co-workers and those we serve in Africa.

As we continue to serve, we continue to rely on God to be our adequacy. In Uganda we encounter great challenges, yet great joys as we experience God working to bring wholistic transformation to lives. We are excited about continuing to serve God in Uganda and the surrounding countries. As we grow in our personal relationships with Christ, we want to share more of the abundant life in Him with others.